Annual Conference

We are proud to offer the leading environmental law conference in the sector. Usually held during June or July, we move around the UK to different locations for a weekend of expert presentations, networking and CPD. We look forward to welcoming you to our next Conference.

annual conference 2020 - online presentations (25/26 JUne)

Bookings are now open for our Annual Conference. Take a look at our dedicated pages for the conference to find out more about the exciting programme of plenaries and social aspects we have lined up for you. Free for our members. Find out about membership here.

REGISTER NOW (You will need to log in to register). We look forward to you joining us in June.

Sheffield 2019

We had a fabulous weekend in Sheffield in June for The UKELA Annual Conference 2019.

With seven plenary sessions and our ever popular Working Party sessions, covering a broad range of topics, there was something for everyone. The relaxing social programme, which included yoga, UKELAfest and a Gala Dinner with speaker Natalie Bennett in the magnificent surroundings of the Cutlers' Hall ensured an enjoyable weekend for all.

Canterbury 2018

A sellout conference in Canterbury for our 30th anniversary saw us ponder the theme of "Past Reflections & Future Horizons - environmental law in post-Brexit Britain.” Speakers covered a wide range of topics from waste to marine pollution; climate change to the 25 year environment plan. Delegates also took part in a special plenary session to help formulate UKELA's response to the government consultation on the arrangements for environmental safeguarding and principles post Brexit.

Nottingham 2017

Almost 200 delegates converged on Nottingham for our annual conference on the theme of Cities of the Future - legal challenges & opportunities for more sustainable living. They heard a wide range of excellent speakers on themes as diverse as the role of lawyers and regulators in making cities more sustainable, via Air Quality, sustainable transport and water management; through to Brexit and US updates.

Brighton 2016

Over 200 UKELA members gathered at the University of Sussex from 1 to 3 July to discuss the new international context for environmental law. The conference theme for 2016: “International Environmental Law, from global to local” welcomed speakers and participants from around the globe, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and the UK. The conference was well-timed to gather news and perspectives on a wide range of international developments, not least the implications for environmental law of the UK’s referendum result on Brexit.

Liverpool 2015

Our 2015 Conference was in the famous port city of Liverpool, home of the Beatles and gateway to the world. Our theme was, fittingly, ''Water, water everywhere'' - the big legal issues in energy, infrastructure, nature conservation, planning and regulation. Over the course of a packed weekend, delegates considered fracking, habitat protection, infrastructure development and environmental permitting - all of which raise important legal issues for the water environment. Plenary sessions led by experts in the sector looked at a wide range of subjects ranging from port regeneration to flooding and habitats and from fracking to planning for water infrastructure.